Along with environmental, peace and faith based organizations, groups of bicyclists, and the Raging Grannies, Connecticut unions are an important part of the state coalition preparing for the People's Climate March on Sunday, September 21 in New York City. Sierra Club and 350.org initiated the statewide organizing effort this summer.

The CSCM delegates represent more than 10,000 active and retired Machinists Union members in Connecticut from industrial sites including Pratt & Whitney, Hamilton Sundstrand, Electric Boat, Stanley Works and other IAM-represented workplaces around the state.

"We recognize that working people will suffer disproportionately from the current patterns of investment and neglect that do not prioritize good jobs, clean air, and healthy communities," says the resolution that supports "the demand for an ambitious, binding, and fair agreement for emission reductions to foster a sustainable adaptation to the effects of climate change."

The diverse constituencies coming together around the Climate March bring a wide range of concerns to the table. Peace organizations are especially concerned with the environmental and climate impacts of wars and militarism. Educating the public about climate change is in the forefront for environmental organizations and religious groups like New Haven Friends Meeting. the Communist Party, which has endorsed nationally, is rallying around their slogan "People and Nature before Profits." The inter-relationship of all these issues offers possibilities for future collaboration.

Sierra Club and 350.org initiated the coalition that is chartering buses around the state. New Haven organizations are digging deep into the community to bring hundreds of people to New York by train.

"Let's be clear," said John Harrity, CT State Council president. "Climate change is the most important issue facing all of us for the rest of our lives. When our kids, and grandkids, ask 'What did you do to help stop this disaster?' which they will surely ask if we do not take drastic steps immediately - Machinists Union activists can say, 'We helped save the world. We were there on September 21."